COVID-19 changed our world in many ways. During the height of the pandemic, medical and mental health professionals, including those treating substance use disorder (SUD), had to develop alternative ways to provide treatment and support. Enter the internet. Video conferencing platforms created for business use suddenly became the primary way for us to stay connected with friends, family, and healthcare providers. Telehealth services, which had previously been a supplemental way to provide care, became the mainstay.
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we began utilizing telerecovery years ago to provide aftercare support for our guests who had completed our residential treatment program. Today, our telerecovery treatment program has expanded to help support our intensive outpatient program (IOP) and outpatient program guests. Call 833.551.2304 to learn more about the benefits of telerecovery.
What Is Telerecovery?
Telerecovery offers a revolutionary approach to substance use disorder treatment, one that is both convenient and flexible. It harnesses digital tools to provide services outside the treatment center or traditional in-person treatment. These tools can include virtual sobriety coaches, mobile apps, email, text messaging, health-monitoring devices, videoconferencing, and phone calls.
It’s crucial to remember that only licensed professionals can offer safe, effective telerecovery. Before embarking on any type of telerecovery treatment, it’s essential to ensure the person or program you work with is fully credentialed. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, our telerecovery is provided by a Master’s level mental health counselor, ensuring the highest standard of care.
The Advantages of a Telerecovery Program
Telerecovery is not a standalone SUD treatment. Instead, it can be a valuable tool within a comprehensive, integrated treatment program. Telerecovery interventions include intake screenings, diagnosis, counseling, individual therapy, group therapy, medical consultations, and medication management.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of telerecovery is the increased accessibility to treatment services. Other notable benefits include:
- Convenience – Telerecovery allows individuals to access support from home and work around work, school, or family obligations
- Elimination of barriers to treatment – Transportation, mobility issues, and location are common obstacles to treatment that are eliminated with telerecovery
- Privacy – Individuals may feel more comfortable and, therefore, be more open and honest in the privacy of their own home
- Reduced stigma – For many, the perceived stigma of going to a treatment center prevents them from receiving care.
- Affordability – Telerecovery is generally less costly than in-person treatment and eliminates other costs, such as gas, childcare, or missed time from work
- Continuity of care – Because of its accessibility and convenience, individuals are less likely to miss appointments
Because the need is so great, many addiction treatment programs have long waitlists. Timeliness of care can be critical for individuals with SUD. Telerecovery provides faster access to treatment. Research indicates that telerecovery can be as effective as in-person treatment for individuals committed to the process.
Are There Disadvantages to Telerecovery Treatment?
Though telerecovery offers numerous benefits, it has challenges and disadvantages. SUD impacts everyone differently and occurs on a spectrum from mild to severe. Individuals who have more severe SUD, are at higher risk for relapse, or have unstable living conditions are more suited to higher levels of treatment, like a partial hospitalization program (PHP) or residential treatment.
Other potential disadvantages of telerecovery can include:
- Technological limitations – Not everyone has access to computers, smartphones, or internet service, and connectivity can be limited in rural areas
- Lack of personal connections – Connecting with others with shared experiences is a critical element of SUD treatment, and making close connections may be more challenging through telerecovery
- Physical separation – Telerecovery can limit the ability to read cues from body language and assess physical health issues related to SUD
- Environment – Individuals may not have a safe, private, or quiet place at home to talk openly
- Fewer interventions – Though they are receiving treatment, individuals are not removed from the environment that may be triggering substance use
Telerecovery can be an essential tool for many in addiction treatment programs. However, it is not a substitute or replacement for traditional in-person SUD treatment. At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we highlight the benefits of telerecovery by using it as a supplement to our outpatient and aftercare programs.
See if Telerecovery Treatment Is Right for You at Gulf Breeze Recovery
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we are dedicated to utilizing evidence-based treatment modalities to help our guests overcome SUD and co-occurring disorders. Research indicates that telerecovery is as effective as in-person therapy, particularly when used as a component of comprehensive addiction treatment. Call 833.551.2304 or use our online contact form to learn more about the benefits of telerecovery.
